When

I have always seen the 4 mile scenic drive sign for Onomea Drive as I pass it and have never had the time to get off the main highway to take this drive. Well today at lunch time I finally got a chance to drive it and it was just amazing.

The turn off is towards the ocean at either the Pepeekeo side or the Papaikou side of the Highway and it’s definitely worth the extra 10-15 minutes it may add to getting to the other side of the island using the Hamakua Route.

You drive over a few one way bridges and past a few waterfalls along the route.

The Hawaii Botanical Gardens is also down there but I didn’t have time to stop in.

About half way through the drive, you come to Onomea Bay (Pictured at top as well)

If you look closely at the picture below, you can see that this little island had a landslide recently.

I’m really amazed that I haven’t taken this drive before.

You will need to get out of your car at a few spots along the road to take or see pictures like these.

My guess is that this stream is really pumping water when we have had a lot of rain.

And the best part about it… is there is even a little restaurant on the drive that serves sandwiches, smoothies and other goodies… (What’s Shakin’)